Greetings everyone! Meet Sandrine!

Tell me a bit about yourself and what you do.

I’m a healthcare professional with a profound interest in medicine and continuous learning, holding three degrees in the scientific field. I was born in Burundi but grew up in London. London is what I know and what I call home. It’s a city I deeply love- I think it’s the best city in the world! I initially began sharing my admiration through my passion for photography on social media. Sharing my experiences of London evolved into documenting my travels globally as I started travelling, offering insights and advice on destinations worldwide. As platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok emerged, I adapted, using these to share engaging content about my travel journeys.

How has travel impacted your life and how has it changed your family and career
life?
Despite the benefits of travel, it remains uncommon in many African communities due to socio-economic challenges and discriminatory visa policies that underscore global inequalities. So, it’s no surprise I’d never considered traveling until I met my ex who planned us a trip to Paris.I remember having this child-like overwhelming excitement and wonder from captivated by the newness of the experience—new people, language, food, and sights.  Travel has profoundly impacted my worldview, offering invaluable experiences, insights and moments so transcendent they must be experienced to be truly understood. Every journey has unveiled new adventures, cultures, cuisines, traditions, and breathtaking
wonders, each leaving an indelible mark on me. And I’ve taken something from each of
these experiences from global flavours in my kitchen to new ways of seeing the world. The joy of these experiences is sometimes overshadowed by guilt over infrequent family visits, due to restrictive visa systems that limit reunions. It’s also disheartening that many people I meet cannot enjoy similar freedoms because their passports and socio-economic status do not afford them the same opportunities and privilege.
Professionally, the need for in-person medical consultations limits my travel opportunities, so I’m pursuing a master’s degree in health data science. I hope this leads
to a career with flexible remote working options, allowing me to travel more and maintain closer family ties.

Why did you choose to travel to India?
I’m open to visiting nearly any destination, though I find myself currently less enthusiastic about the USA given the present political climate. Often, my travel destinations seem to find me through serendipitous opportunities.
For instance, India was chosen after my partner was invited to a friend’s wedding there. We seized the chance for a three-week journey across the country, delving into the rich cultures, foods and landscapes. We toured the iconic Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and further adventures took us to Kolkata and Goa. You didn’t ask but Jaipur was my favourite city and a must visit if you go to India. I experienced a significant culture shock, one because the tourist sites were bustling predominantly with domestic travellers rather than international visitors. Interestingly,
I became an attraction myself, as many of these tourists, coming from remote areas of India, had seldom seen or met black people before. While I anticipated that my blue- eyed, blond-haired partner would draw attention, it turned out that I became the centre
of fascination. The frequent requests for photos, initially amusing, quickly grew overwhelming. Overall, the trip was a profound journey through a country of striking contrasts and memorable encounters.

What has been your most favourite travel experience and why?
Of all the remarkable countries I’ve visited around the world, Rwanda stands out as the
most memorable. Despite being raised there, I left at a very young age (6), and revisiting it opened my eyes to its splendour in ways I never appreciated before. This trip allowed
me to experience a self-driven safari, an adventure I was surprised to learn was even possible. Armed only with a vehicle, I explored the wilderness, encountering the “big 5” in their natural habitat, a thrilling venture that was both affordable and uniquely liberating. As a child, I was fascinated by rainforests and dreamed of visiting the Amazon, I discovered that Rwanda hosts its own lush rainforest. Exploring it was a highlight filled with excitement as I learned about the intricate symbiotic relationships among the
wildlife, plants, and local communities. Moreover, the unexpected cold was a surprise—contrary to the typical African heat I anticipated, the chill reminded me of
places far from the equator.
Finally, I was impressed by the tremendous growth of Kigali. My childhood city now resembled many cities in developed countries. The extensive use of technology in daily
life, from contactless payments in small markets and buses to QR codes in other business and establishments, was impressive. These innovations, often absent in some Western cities, showcased why Rwanda is now dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Africa.”
This journey not only reconnected me with my roots but also filled me with pride at the advancements my country has made, making it a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Why do you think it’s important for women to travel?
Traveling offers profound benefits for women, fostering independence, empowerment, and a broader understanding of global womanhood. It exposes women to diverse ways
of life, deepening their appreciation of what it means to be a woman in different cultural contexts. While I haven’t travelled solo and can’t speak to that experience directly, my
travels have significantly enriched my perspective, helping me to grow personally and professionally. It’s also a powerful way to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and
promote gender equality by demonstrating women’s capabilities and strengths in navigating new environments.

Some photos of women I met in Mumbai in the Dharavi slums. I loved learning about
their day to day- they were so inspirational
Do you have any tips or advice for people who want to travel more?
Start Local: Travel doesn’t need to be far. Explore your own city or nearby areas first. You might be surprised by the diversity and richness of experiences just a short
distance from home. For instance, if you’re from North London, venture to South London- you’ll be surprised how different parts of London look themselves and the
different experiences such as a different a certain restaurant or gallery. Then consider day trips to places like Oxford, Cambridge, or the Cotswolds. Gradually extend your travels to further destinations as you become more comfortable.
Consider group travel: While solo travel is trending, group travel can be a great introduction, especially for longer or more distant trips. Many content creators and
companies organise group travels, which can provide a safer and less stressful experience as logistics are handled for you. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded travellers, though it may limit interaction with locals and lead to more typical tourist
activities.

Be skeptical of social media: Take portrayals of destinations on social media with a grain of salt. As a Black woman, I had reservations about traveling to certain regions
such as eastern Europe or Asia due to fears of racism. That wasn’t my experience at all. People were generally welcoming and curious. This isn’t to say others haven’t
had negative experiences, I’m sure they have. In my experience it was no worse than perhaps America or UK. Check entry requirements: Always verify visa and entry requirements before
traveling. Even with a British passport, many countries require visas or have specific
entry conditions. I once nearly missed a flight to Australia due to last-minute visa issues, which could have been avoided with better preparation.

Secure Internet Access: Arrange for internet access upon your arrival. It’s crucial for navigating to your accommodation and planning your stay. In some countries,
you might not be able to purchase a local SIM card as a non-resident, so it’s wise to look into alternatives beforehand. This can make or break a trip. You need access to internet.
Just Have Fun: Don’t overthink it. The essence of travel is to enjoy and immerse yourself in new experiences. Embrace the adventure, and don’t get bogged down by
trying to make everything perfect.

What are the must have items in your packing list?

As a medic, when packing for travel, I ensure I’m prepared for common health issues,
especially in areas with limited medical facilities. My essentials include sunscreen, painkillers, antidiarrhoeals, bug spray, and antihistamines, plus hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene, particularly important in places where water and soap might not be
readily accessible. As a travel content creator, looking good is key to feeling confident. It’s crucial to pack
my makeup essentials especially my foundation, as finding the right shade abroad can be challenging.
Of course, I never forget my camera, drone, and other recording equipment to capture and share the memorable moments of my journeys.

Where can people follow your travel journeys?
You can follow my travel adventures primarily on Instagram and TikTok, where I share a vibrant collection of stories, tips, and insights from my journeys around the globe. I’m
excited to announce that I’ll soon be expanding my storytelling to YouTube, providing more in-depth content including travel vlogs, destination guides, and personal
reflections to bring my experiences closer to you.

Stay tuned and join me as we explore the world together, uncovering the beauty and diversity of different cultures and landscapes!